Greville on Peel's 1842 Budget

On Friday night in the midst of the most intense and general interest and curiosity,
heightened by the closeness and fidelity with which the government measures
had been kept secret Peel brought forward his financial plans in a speech of
three hours and forty minutes, acknowledged by everybody to have been a masterpiece
of financial statement. The success was complete; he took the House by storm;
and his Opponents (though of course differing and objecting on particular points)
did him ample justice. A few people expected an income tax, but the majority
did not. Hitherto the Opposition have been talking very big about opposing all
taxes, but they have quite altered their tone. It is really remarkable to see
the attitude Peel has taken in this parliament,
his complete mastery over both his friends and his foes. His own party, nolentes
aut volentes [whether willing or not], have surrendered at discretion, and
he has got them as well disciplined and as obedient as the crew of a man-of-war.
This great measure, so lofty in conception, right in direction, and able in
execution, places him at once on a pinnacle of power, and establishes his government
on such a foundation as accident alone can shake. Political predictions are
always rash, but certainly there is every probability of Peel's being Minister
for as many years as his health and vigour may endure ... There can be no doubt
that he is now a very great man, and it depends on himself to establish a great
and lasting reputation [Greville, Memoirs, 13 March 1842]